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Apollo
Art Diary

Ray Johnson ℅

19 November 2021

Once described as ‘New York’s most famous unknown artist’, Ray Johnson left his mark on Pop, Neo-Dada and conceptual art, most particularly as the founder of the New York Correspondence School, an early social network of artists exchanging ‘mail art’ in the 1940s. His practice ranged from his letters, Nothing performances, collages, drawings and sculpture. Contending that he was most inventive in collaboration, this show examines his work alongside that of his correspondents, including the theorist Dick Higgins and artists Karl Wirsum and William S. Wilson. Find out more from the Art Institute Chicago’s website.

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Rimbaud (1957-60), Ray Johnson.

Rimbaud (1957-60), Ray Johnson. © Ray Johnson Estate

Water is Precious (1955), Ray Johnson.

Water is Precious (1955), Ray Johnson. © Ray Johnson Estate.

Untitled (65 10 05) (1965), Ray Johnson.

Untitled (65 10 05) (1965), Ray Johnson.

Untitled (undated binder 1, 2L) Ray Johnson. © Ray Johnson Estate.

Untitled (undated binder 1, 2L) Ray Johnson. © Ray Johnson Estate.

Untitled (c. 1965), Ray Johnson.

Untitled (c. 1965), Ray Johnson. © Ray Johnson Estate